Wales set for ban on smoking in cars with children

A BAN on people smoking in cars with children will be introduced in Wales it was revealed today.

The move, which would make smoking in private vehicles when children are present illegal, was announced today by First Minister Carwyn Jones and Health Minister Mark Drakeford.

A spokesman for the Welsh Government said the ban aims to protect children from the "avoidable harms" associated with passive smoking, which can lead to a range of chronic diseases.

He added: "Children are particularly at risk from exposure to second-hand smoke, in the confined spaces of a vehicle where they cannot escape from the noxious chemicals in tobacco smoke."

Wales’ First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “In 2012, we launched the Fresh Start Wales campaign to promote smoke-free cars carrying children and raise awareness to parents and others the risk their smoking poses to the health of children.

We made clear throughout that campaign we would consider the possibility of legislation when evidence of prevalence of smoking in cars carrying children in Wales is available in the summer of 2014.

Health Minister Professor Mark Drakeford said: “The research findings clearly show there is public support for not allowing smoking in cars when carrying children and that this support - and awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke - have increased over the last three years.

He added the government will now consult on these proposals and "I urge people to have their say.”